Cycling is a sport in which organize competitions between athletes, traveling by bicycle. Races can be on different surfaces and terrains with different bikes.
History of cycling
The first recorded bicycle race was held on May 31, 1868 in Saint-Cloud park in Paris. The track length was 1200 meters and won by expatriate Englishman James Moore. His bike was solid rubber tires.
The first race, whose route was the distance between two cities was between Paris and Rouen. The winner again was James Moore, who overcame the 123-kilometer distance in 10 hours and 40 minutes.
The oldest club in the U.S. kolezdene centuries Club of America. Founded in 1891 in St. Louis, Missouri (now New Jersey). Club sponsors competitions since its founding. Its competitors include more national and Olympic medalists than any other club in the United States.
Over time, the most popular races become so-called “road bikes” – bikes with lightweight construction and thin tires for less resistance and higher speed.
Competitors wear helmets and teams for better aerodynamics. The competition is held in open terrain and long distances (usually about 150-200 km) and it involves many athletes. Carry out general races and time trial (usually slightly shorter distance), individual and team competitions.
The most prestigious race is the Tour de France (Tour de France). Held in late July and consists of 20 stages throughout France (in some stages of the route out in neighboring countries – Belgium, Spain).
Furthermore, “Tour de France” are popular, “Giro” (Tour of Italy) and “Vuelta” (Tour of Spain).
For most of us cycling is an enjoyable and relaxing activity that most often practiced to rid of stress, spending time with friends and more often to move around the city and walking to work or school.
Our goal is to look at which muscles are responsible for practicing this seemingly simple exercise.
Leg muscles
It is no surprise that the major muscles involved in cycling are the legs, and in particular that are double-headed hip muscles, quadriceps muscles and Achilles tendons (semitendinosus and semimembranosus) and hamstrings.
Wheel drive is by pedaling. Pedal must be moved forward and down. Muscles that are charged with this task are hip and gluteal muscles. Quadriceps muscle push the pedals down and in turn the pedals move buttocks back.
The opposite movement of the pedals occurs when they reach the full down position and need to return to the starting position. This movement is performed by soleusite located in the back of the legs and calves. Functional cycling with good speed is possible with well trained and strengthened muscles.
Should not zabryavame that the degree of loading of each muscle depends directly on how the bike ride.
If the terrain that we have chosen for the tour is bumpy, quadriceps made a big deal because it requires more pedal force, leading to overcome the hilly parts.
In the same conditions and calves are charged more because of the torso upright posture required for successful passage through rugged terrain (this is usually to lighten sprang up on the seat bottom).
If you drive at high speed against the wind, all our muscles will be loaded at times. Wind power and speed with which we move, are directly proportional to work out the muscles.
Supporting muscles
While riding in traffic can be carried out entirely by the legs and other muscle groups are involved in their care. Depending on the terrain in which we move and model of bicycle handles our upper body is also charged.
An example is when you have to go through the higher part of the road (hilly terrain or curb on city streets) and help by pulling the wheel to the body.
The strength with which pull the wheel comes from the biceps. With exactly the same movement but with a heavy load is lifted the front tire.
When using air handles bike can lean your upper body on them and thus torso rests. In this case, the support is triceps muscle. It supports the upper body in correct position.
Less burden for abdominal and lumbar muscles. Their task is to reduce the solution of the body and to better stabilize its stand.
Benefits of cycling
Health and cosmetic benefits of cycling are compelling.
If you reach out more often at the wheel and driving is necessary intensity cycling helps to burn calories, reduce body fat, improve heart rate and better lung function.
Improve muscle strength and endurance and all this will lead to the development of lean and healthy body.
Whether you’re a professional or amateur cycling remains a wonderful way to spend your time dealing with something useful and enjoyable – alone or with friends.
